ConnectMaine Expands Affordable Broadband Across the State

ConnectMaine Executive Director Peggy Schaffer discusses her role within Maine government, the challenges and opportunities offered by the pandemic, and getting broadband to the state’s rural areas.

ConnectMaine was created in 2006 by the Legislature to expand broadband — both connectivity and use — statewide. We run two grant programs. One is a community planning grant, providing money to help communities expand broadband access. Then, we have a program to actually build out that access and infrastructure. It helps service providers to either expand their network or work with communities to build out an entire community network. 

That’s the job of ConnectMaine. I’m the executive director. I’m a state employee. The program part of me responds to the ConnectMaine Authority Board, but my direct supervisor is the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Democrats Are Getting $94 billion Serious About Universal Broadband

The bill also includes a provision that would eliminate state laws that prevent the growth of municipal broadband.